Brain cancer is a very serious form of cancer. Recently, Sen. John McCain revealed he has been diagnosed with a primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) – the most aggressive type of brain tumor. GBMs originate in the brain; it does not spread there from another part of the body. The cause is not known. This tumor has no relation to melanoma, the skin cancer for which McCain was treated in the past.

Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for cancer. It kills healthy cells along with cancer cells, inflicting damage on the body and seriously compromising the immune system. Chemotherapy also kills most rapidly dividing healthy and cancer cells, but not all the cells are fast growing. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of cancer cells that are slow growing and thus resistant to treatment, do not die. Chemotherapy makes these cells even more numerous as the ratio of highly malignant cells….

For many women facing cancer, the most devastating aspect is learning they may lose their hair due to chemotherapy. “Most women tell me that as soon as they hear the oncologist say, ‘You’re going to lose your hair,’ that’s the last thing they remember hearing,” said Eric Johnson, co-owner, with his wife, Jeletta, of Hair Institute in Lexington. “They can deal with the sickness; they can deal with the treatments; but it’s the hair loss that gets them the most.

Some cancers can be found through early detection, which can reduce the chances of the cancer growing and spreading throughout the body, according the American Cancer Society. Cancer screening looks for cancer before the individual displays any symptoms. There are a variety of screening tests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best.

Gastric or stomach cancer begins when cancer cells form in the mucus-producing cells of the inner lining of the stomach. These cells can grow into tumors called adenocarcinomas. The disease usually grows slowly over many years. Nearly 1 million cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed yearly, making it the fourth most common cancer worldwide, according to the National Institutes of Health. In the United States in 2016, about 26,370 cases of gastric cancer were diagnosed ….

Many people ask what “eating clean” means. This common question has a simple answer. Eating clean is eating foods that are natural and healthy instead of unhealthy, processed foods. It means trying to embrace more whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as healthy proteins and fats. The Mayo Clinic describes eating clean as a way of living that lends itself to improving your health and well being.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The chances of getting cancer increase with age, obesity, tobacco use and many other risk factors. Cancer is caused by the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells that develop from precancerous lesions into malignant tumors. This process is caused by three external agents: physical carcinogens, chemical carcinogens and biological carcinogens.

The pancreas is a 5.9-inch-long gland found behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It has a head, a middle section called the body and a narrow end called the tail. Exocrine cells in the pancreas produce digestive enzymes that help break down and digest food. The endocrine cells produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon that help control blood sugar levels. Most pancreatic cancers start in the exocrine cells.

Research from several sources indicates vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dietary fiber can protect against a variety of cancers. Studies conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) indicate the benefits of eating mostly foods of plant origin, such as broccoli, berries and garlic. The research showed these foods have some of the strongest links to cancer prevention.

Gluten is a particular kind of protein that is not found in eggs or meat but is in barley, rye, wheat and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). Going gluten-free means avoiding these grains. A gluten-free diet is essential for those who have celiac disease, a condition that causes inflammation in the small intestines, or gluten allergies. Symptoms of celiac disease include anemia, constipation or diarrhea, bloating, gas, headaches, skin rashes, joint pain and fatigue.

Just what is in the food we eat? Considering the food chain, did you know adding antibiotics to food dates back to the 1940s? Antibiotic use has led to a dramatic reduction in illness and death from infectious diseases, yet there is a downside to this practice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others encourage health care professionals and patients to use antibiotics more wisely and seek education and understanding about both the risks and benefits of using them.

Are you a person with cancer who wants to create a safe, comforting place to express your feelings about dealing with the disease – a place where you can be yourself and find solace? Perhaps you want to write stories about your experience with cancer and how it is affecting you. Do you want to gain deeper insight into who you are and what this illness is about? For any or all of these reasons and more, a journal may be a satisfying and helpful instrument.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are food crops that have been genetically modified in some way. This is different from cross-breeding and hybridization because it directly alters the genome of the organism, either by adding or removing certain genes. Most GMOs are modified to withstand pesticides. Many people are opposed to GMO crops because of glyphosate, a pesticide and weed killer that is a key ingredient in Monsanto Roundup. Glyphosate has sparked numerous lawsuits, .....

Since 2012, meal kit delivery has become a $400 million market that is projected to increase tenfold in the next five years, according to the food industry research and consulting firm Technomic. Currently, there are more than 100 meal kit delivery services nationwide with new ones starting all the time. Will one of these services work for you? The commonly advertised appeal of these services is convenience: Have all the ingredients and a recipe delivered to your home – no shopping necessary.

Have you noticed? Look around and you’ll see a majority of Americans who are either overweight or obese. Look in supermarkets and you’ll see a plethora of food products, many of them processed or high-fat and/or sweet laden. Consuming such a diet often leads to poor health and weight gain. It is not surprising that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. A number of diseases, including pre-diabetes, diabetes, stroke and depression, are linked to how we eat .....

For farmers, free-range livestock has become a hot topic of conversation. “Kentucky has 37,000 beef producers and is the largest cattle state east of the Mississippi,” said Katelyn Hawkins, general member of the beef council of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. From a health standpoint, whether you choose free range or a conventional route of beef production, you are still getting the same nutritional benefits.

Genetically modified foods bring some controversy to today’s consumer. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as plants, animals or microorganisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. When a gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism in a laboratory, the result is a GMO. This is also sometimes called “transgenic” for transfer of genes.

When it comes to snacking, we often think of foods that are high in added fats or sugar. But there are many other snack options if you choose wisely. Regardless of how many snacks your meal plan includes, the key to controlling blood glucose and avoiding weight gain is portion size. Here are some healthy snack ideas for diet success:

Some men look in the mirror and regard a receding hairline with distress, wondering if there is a cure for baldness. Currently, the only truly effective medically proven way to arrest hair loss is to lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. DHT is a form of testosterone that regulates beard growth and hair loss. Higher levels of DHT produce fuller beards at the cost of male pattern baldness. Lower levels of DHT ensure a full head of hair at the cost of the inability to grow a beard.

Many people enjoy visiting various Web sites and apps that challenge the brain by luring them deeper and deeper into cyber space. Cyber addiction comes in several forms, but all impact the brain. The past two decades have acquainted many people with the concept of hacking. It is why people strive to protect their computers and smartphones from outside sources trying to break in to steal information, implant malware and preocupy their lives.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than one in three adult men has heart disease. Men around the age of 55 years are more likely than women to experience a heart attack. Men often ignore the symptoms of a heart attack because they are uncertain about what they are feeling and don’t want to be embarrassed by a simple diagnosis, such as heartburn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 percent of men who die from coronary heart disease....

Here are a couple of important questions for men concerned about their health and wellness: Do you drink too much? Are you able to say “no” after having a few drinks? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says excessive alcohol use is responsible for approximately 89,0000 deaths in the United States yearly. Men are more likely than women to drink to excess, and men have consistently higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations than women, according to the CDC.

Men, are you feeling sad and withdrawn? Do you notice you are not being social these days or you’re working all the time? Are you drinking too much? These may be clues that you have depression. And you may be at risk for suicide. Depression affects men and women differently. For men, depression may be marked by unhealthy coping or escapist behaviors; too much drinking; or controlling, resistant, abusive behaviors such as reckless driving.

Osteoporosis, which means porous bones, is a condition in which the bones become weak and are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is often called a silent condition because people do not notice any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Although it is often considered to be a woman’s health concern, 12 million men are at risk for osteoporosis and may have early signs of bone loss and low bone density, or osteopenia. While fragility fractures are less common in men, when they occur, they can be associated with higher rates of.....

A person can be addicted to sex just as he can be addicted to alcohol, drugs or gambling, says Paul F. Schmidt, Ph.D., one of only a few licensed clinicians in Lexington who have sex addiction certification. Sex addiction can start with a variety of behaviors that often lead to an increasing amount of deviant behaviors. As with any other addictive substance, some people can engage in these behaviors without becoming addicted to them and others cannot.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. Male hormones called androgens stimulate the activity and growth of the prostate. Many men’s prostates get larger as they grow older due to a non-cancerous condition called prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy (besides skin cancer) diagnosed in men.

It is well known men are wired differently than women when it comes to emotions. Emotion is a complex psychological state that involves three distinct components: a subjective experience, a physiological response and a behavioral or expressive component. Are women “wired” to be more emotional than men? Not exactly, but new research provides more evidence that the male and female brain may have very different ways of processing emotions.

Heart disease kills millions of Americans each year. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which leads to heart attacks. One way to reduce your risk of CAD is to make some lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, stress management and physical activity. Physical activity is an essential part of being heart healthy. The American Heart Association (AHA) says you need at least 150 minutes of moderate....

There are an estimated 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, a testament to the more than 25-year decline in mortality, according to the American Cancer Society. Still, 231,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and about 40,000 will die. Fortunately, there have been some exciting breakthroughs in breast cancer detection and treatment recently.

If you’re looking for a safe, effective program that will help you get toned, become more flexible or lose weight, personal training could be for you. A personal trainer will teach you proper form and technique to keep you safe and injury free. But first, he or she needs to know what your goals are – whether you want to lose weight, get healthy and tone up or train for bodybuilding, fitness competitions or powerlifting. Perhaps you’re an older person who wants to work on balance and stability.

If you suffer from migraines, you’re not alone. “Migraine is the third most prevalent illness in the world, affecting about a billion people, which is about 18 percent of American women,” said Cathy Glaser, president of the Migraine Research Foundation. Since migraine is a complicated disease, all women are affected differently. “‘Migraine’ is an umbrella phrase,” Glaser said. “A woman might get menstrual migraines during a certain point in her menstrual cycle or a migraine with aura, a hemiplegic migraine,......

Ancient thinkers waxed poetic over how men’s and women’s hearts differ, but there are actual anatomical differences that impact diagnoses and treatments of the heart. Here are some ways men’s and women’s hearts differ: Size and Structure. Women’s hearts are smaller and, at 118 grams, weigh 60 grams less than men’s. Their veins are 1 millimeter thinner than men’s, making them more sensitive and liable to shrivel. The finer veins in a female heart make it work harder.

Cancer that starts in the cervix (the narrow opening into the uterus from the vagina or the neck of the womb) is called cervical cancer. It is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but because it develops over time, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancers. Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can be caught through sexual contact with someone who has it. (Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer, however.) Other risk factors include....

Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months – the time in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease to function and she can no longer reproduce. It is a gradual process that can occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s, though the average age is 51 years. As a woman reaches menopause, her menstrual periods may occur more frequently or they may get farther and farther apart before stopping altogether. Common symptoms of menopause include fatigue, hot flashes, mood changes, stress, irritability.....

Are you pregnant and planning for the birth of your child? Your pregnancy may be a special experience for you and your husband or partner as you welcome your new baby into the world. You could consider having a midwife assist you with your pregnancy, particularly through labor and delivery. Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) provide for delivery in a birthing center or at home. Using a midwife makes for a less costly experience.

Irregular periods are medically known as oligomenorrhea. A woman may have irregular periods from the time she starts menstruating during puberty until she stops at menopause. Oligomenorrhea can occur due to improper diet, anorexia, weakness, stress and intense exercise. To combat oligomenorrhea, it is best to avoid foods and drinks that contain sugar, caffeine and saturated fats because they can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance.

What is Thermography? You may be surprised to learn that thermography is not a new technology. It’s been around for 30 years and is backed by hundreds of peer review studies. The way thermography, or thermal imaging, works is based on how cancer cells grow. Typically, when cancer cells are growing and multiplying in a tumor, blood flow is very fast in that area. Increased blood flow makes skin temperature increase. This rise in skin temperature is what breast thermography is aiming to detect.

Like many Americans, do you believe heart disease affects mostly men? In fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease, according to The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women, written by members of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is one of several cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart and the blood vessel system. Others include stroke, high blood pressure and rheumatic heart disease.

Summer is finally here, and you want to get your weight down and be in the best shape ever. This summer, make it your mission to reach your weight-loss goals – the same ones you probably set for yourself at the beginning of the year. Fortunately, it’s never too late to start down the path to health and wellness. Follow the guidelines below so you can put yourself on a fast track. Turn these tips into lifelong habits to ensure lasting success.

There are so many misconceptions about weight loss and diets that it can be hard to know what to believe. Here are some common weight-loss myths. Snacking and eating fast food are bad ideas. Actually, eating small, healthy snacks between meals could help you eat less so you don’t overeat or binge later. Dietitians recommend having five small meals a day, instead of just three. Snacking has a bad rap because of some of the snack choices we make, such as potato chips, cookies, candy and other fattening items.

You have worked hard and been disciplined with exercise and diet to achieve your ideal weight. However, you may find you have excess skin that lingers as a reminder of how your body was in the past. Excess skin causes many health problems and contributes to poor self-esteem and self-image. There are a few reasons your skin might not “snap back” after weight loss. It depends on how long you were overweight. The longer you were overweight, the more difficult it will be for your skin to get its shape back....

When it comes to weight loss, what you eat is a far more important factor than exercise. The benefits of exercise can be obliterated by a poor diet. What foods should you eliminate from your diet to ensure you lose weight and keep it off? Refined Sugar and High-Fructose Corn Syrup. Naturally occurring sugars are found in fruit as fructose and in dairy products as lactose. These sugars provide essential nutrients to the body. Refined sugar comes from sugar cane and sugar beets that are processed to extract sugar.

When you are educated about what to expect and have a plan in place, you can look and feel better after extreme weight loss. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports about 70 percent of Americans are overweight, and more than one-third are obese, so there is a real push to lose weight in this country. While you may think people are always ecstatic after losing weight, it can also be a complicated transition.

Obesity and weight management are the focus of many people’s lives. Recognizing people have struggled for centuries to manage weight, the challenges continue to present problems in the 21st century, and they are getting worse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an annual increase in obesity at the rate of 11 percent for the past five years. Weight-loss products include food, drugs, supplements, services, ingredients, devices, accessories and cosmetics.

“Stubborn” belly fat can be the toughest to lose when you’re working off excess pounds. But sometimes it’s just chronic bloating, not abdominal fat. It’s important to distinguish between fat and bloating because the latter can indicate of a variety of health problems. Addressing a “big belly” with the wrong approach could exacerbate the issue and/or symptoms. Some individuals may have chronic stomach bloating. There are four factors to consider in order to determine whether a large belly is due to fat or bloating.

You have heard the saying that we all need each other. And that is what accountability groups are all about. An accountability group is a collection of people who support and honestly report to each other on the way to accomplishing a common goal – such as making it through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) or sticking to a diet. Do such groups work? The short answer is yes. The Carrot Sticks is a low-key accountability group formed by people who wanted to lose weight.

Commercial diets have become all the rage, although they are systemized and often expensive. Weight Watchers is listed among the best of these diets. Pros of this plan include the freedom to eat what you want. No food is off limits, so this gives you the flexibility to shape your own diet. One of the cons is participation can be pricey, though this program is often considered to be a good investment. The program gives every food and beverage a smart points value. Foods with higher saturated fats and sugar levels....

Many people feel like a vibrant spiritual life is out of reach. They aren’t even sure they want to reach for it. We hear friends talk about trusting God, having peace with God, even hearing from God. We have relatives whose lives are shaped in positive ways by their faith. Neighbors have confidence that they will live in a better world after this one. But, at least so far, what transforms others hasn’t convinced us. “Maybe,” we whisper, “God is for other people but just not for me. Perhaps God is like a square peg and I’m a round hole.

Some people love the great outdoors and are willing to pitch a tent in the nearest glade and set up a rustic campsite. Other people prefer to camp with all the comforts of home in an RV or trailer. (This is often called “glamping.”) Whatever your preference, being prepared is essential for a safe and successful camping trip. “Being prepared for emergency situations is critical when people are out in remote areas with limited access to phone service, hospitals and emergency help,” said Don Lauritzen.

Kids these days are heading down the path leading to a sedentary lifestyle, and that makes it important for adults to spark a passion for activity in them. This will keep their bodies, brains and development on track. Summer is the right time to get them moving.

Here are five ways to encourage your kids to live and love an active and healthier lifestyle outdoors.

Are you looking for something that can provide your children a very special opportunity? Something that at the same time will allow them to experience stimulating sensations? The place you seek is right here in Lexington on the campus of the University of Kentucky. The Arboretum is Kentucky’s state botanical garden and includes the Home Demonstration Garden, the Rose Garden and the Fragrance Garden. Start your exploration with a stop at the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center, which is open Monday through Friday....

Kentucky state parks offer countless treasures, from world-class rock climbing to the world’s longest cave system. Discover the first “gateway to the west” and the birthplace of one of America’s most revered presidents, all on more than 1 million acres of unspoiled wilderness.

Here are some Kentucky sites that are overseen by the National Park Service:

Having fun and beating the heat this summer may mean spending time with your kids swimming. However, before getting into the pool, lake or ocean, it is important to know about swimming safety and to take appropriate precautions to prevent any accident or injuries. “Keep in mind, drowning is silent,” said Chris Vitale, RN, MSN, injury prevention manager at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

With summer quickly approaching, you’re probably looking for family friendly activities in which everyone can participate. Instead of planning a big family vacation, you could choose to take a few fun day trips. These trips are usually less expensive and less time consuming than a full-out vacation. Enjoy a full day of activities provided by some of the local attractions in your city.

It’s time for fun in the sun. But with summer comes some risks. Follow these tips to stay healthy and happy this season. Sun Protection. Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is harmful to the skin. It can cause a sunburn or, worse, skin cancer – the most common type of cancer in the United States. Protect yourself and your children by wearing hats and clothing that cover exposed skin when going to the lake, beach or pool. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes and surrounding skin. And don’t forget the sunscreen.

A love of learning and reading will serve your child a lifetime. Reading is one of the essential school components that helps your child reach his or her full potential. Reading encompasses the essences of writing, vocabulary, learning and understanding. That is why it is so important for your child to enjoy reading. Libraries are a great way for children to discover reading.

A healthy, nutritious diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent weight-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Children need different amounts of specific nutrients at different ages. They need to eat three meals daily and have healthy snacks in between. The more active your child is, the more calories he or she needs. Here are some ways to encourage your child to follow a nutritious diet:

A balanced healthy diet should contain a variety of nutritious foods and sufficient vitamins and minerals. Such a diet can help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of many diet-related problems, such type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. It’s recommended men have around 2,500 calories a day and women 2,000 calories a day. Studies indicate eating a typical Western diet filled with packaged meals, takeout foods, processed meats and sugary snacks may lead to stress, high rates of depression....

Sodium is an essential mineral for life. It is regulated in the body by the kidneys. It helps control the body’s fluid balance, affects muscle function and helps send nerve impulses. An Australian study showed the brain responds to sodium in the same way it responds to substances such as cocaine and heroin, which may explain why we tend to overindulge in high-sodium foods.

Larry’s lunch companion watched as he ate a huge hamburger and gobs of French fries. Then he ordered sugar-free ice cream for dessert. Knowing Larry suffered from type 1 diabetes, his friend wondered how high his blood sugar would soar an hour or two after his meal. The expression on his companion’s face must have betrayed her. “It’s OK,” Larry said in answer to her unspoken question. “None of this stuff has sugar in it.”

“If one simple thing could energize you within hours, soothe crankiness and fatigue within days, allow you to finally shed extra pounds and dramatically reduce risk of heart attack and stroke, you’d say it is magic, would you not?” This simple something is real, says Ann Fittante, MS, RD, in her book, “The Sugar Solution.” The answer, she maintains, is in taking charge of your blood sugar.

According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, about 52 percent of Americans take dietary supplements – but should they? Since the 1940s, study after study shows little evidence of any benefits gained from taking vitamins and supplements. They are not intended to replace foods because they cannot provide all the nutrients whole foods do. Whole foods are complex and contain many nutrients.

How many times have you gone out to eat with the intention of ordering a healthy dish, only to change your mind after you’ve heard what everyone else has ordered? There are a few reasons we do this. Sometimes it’s a matter of will power. When everyone else is ordering burgers or pasta, suddenly your salad doesn’t sound as appetizing. You give in because the other options sound too good to pass up.

“Toxic” foods aren’t like instant poison; they have an accumulative affect with long-term consumption that can cause many health problems. Here are some guidelines to ensure you don’t consume too many toxic foods. Not all fresh produce react the same to pesticides. Certain ones “soak up” and store more pesticide. These include apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, celery, collard greens, kale, lettuce, spinach and sweet bell peppers

Making lifestyle changes is not a task you should complete alone. This is especially true when you change to a healthier diet. “The best success occurs when the entire family is working on it together and supporting each other,” said Dr. Stephen Daniels, pediatrician and spokesman for the American Heart Association. Even your youngest family members can hop on board as you encourage them to emulate you. You are a role model, so your child takes note if you eat healthfully or take an evening walk and is likely to follow suit.

Breakfast, the first meal of the day, is also the most important meal of the day. It helps provide an initial boost of energy. A systematic review concluded eating breakfast is associated with a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese and a reduction in the body mass index of children and adolescents. Let breakfast rule your life. Keep these strategies in mind as you get ready to start your day.

We’re often told how important it is to stay hydrated. Water is one of the essential elements involved in the proper functioning of the body, helping it perform at its optimal level. Instead of sugary beverages such as sodas, drink more water to support a healthier body and brain. Sodas are one of the major sources of added sugars in the diets of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A diet soda seems to be a health-conscious choice when it comes to carbonated beverages

We all have fitness questions, whether we’re new to working out or have been at it for a while. Here are the answers to some common fitness questions. How Often Should I Work Out? Everyone should commit to working out a minimum of three days a week to see results. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of high-intensity cardio, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise or a combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Do you want to live a long and healthy life? Be strong and agile as you age? Enjoy life into your 90s? The key to a lengthy, prosperous life is exercise. No matter your age – whether you’re 16 or 65 – you should begin now with an exercise program or step up the one you already have. Studies have shown exercising on a regular basis is part of a healthier and more rewarding senior life. Staying active may affect how long you live and how energetic and vital you remain. Exercise provides a kind of health insurance.

Kevin Balcirak is not playing around when it comes to fitness and health.

For the past 20 years, Balcirak (pronounced Ball-sir-rack) has owned and operated Body Structure in Lexington. While a 5-second Google search will yield a long list of gyms in the Bluegrass, Body Structure among them, Balcirak’s concept is quite different from the rest.

Are you looking for an easy form of exercise that gets you outside and moving? Biking is low impact and causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise. It’s also gentle on the joints and is a good muscle workout because when you pedal, you use all the major muscle groups. Unlike most sports or types of exercise, biking is easy and does not require high levels of physical skill, making it an ideal exercise for any type of body at any fitness level.

When you’re choosing shoes for a particular activity – be it running, tennis or aerobics – being practical and comfortable are the two most important things to consider. “We recommend a gym shoe that is close toed and has a non-skid tread on it,” said Melissa Miller of Transformation Personal Training. With the right pair of shoes, you can perform better and prevent injuries. If you have a coach for your specific sport, ask him or her for a recommendation because he or she will have knowledge about the best shoe....

Walking is an ideal, simple and easy way to lose weight, get active and become healthier. People who completed 150 minutes of brisk walking a week – the amount recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) – lived 3.4 years longer than those who didn’t.

Your body builds muscles and recovers all through the day, not just at the gym. So eating well-timed food and snacks can give the body fuel it needs to burn fat, build muscle and recover as best it can. If your workout will last longer than an hour and you prefer eating before a workout, it is best to grab a snack about 45 to 60 minutes in advance and keep it small. Usually, your pre-workout meal should consist of protein, dietary fat and carbohydrates. For protein, a moderate amount of meat or dairy can work ....

Researchers at the University of Maryland have found adults with mild cognitive impairment improved their brain function by adding exercise for brain fitness. Dr. Carson Smith, a professor in the department of kinesiology at the University of Maryland School of Public Health in College Park, said, “We found that after 12 weeks of being on a moderate exercise program, study participants improved their neural efficiency.”

Spring is finally here. It is the perfect time to jump start a running program. The weather will be getting warmer so it is a wonderful time to get outdoors and take a run. Half- marathon training programs are great for runners who have had a long time off or new runners. It is a reasonable and manageable distance to train for; it is only 13.1 miles. However, it is important to train beforehand so your body can build endurance and you will be prepared for your race.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a continual low mood, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities and a deep feeling of sadness. Depression is a persistent problem, not a passing one; the average length of a depressive episode is six to eight months. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability. The WHO estimates 350 million people are affected by depression globally.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and 44,193 Americans die by suicide annually, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Kentucky, which ranked 16th of all 50 states, was slightly above the national average of 13.26 per 100,000 people at 17.06.

Celebrities aren’t the only ones who can utilize the expertise of personal trainers. Whether you are a beginner or advanced when it comes to fitness, there are definite advantages of seeking guidance from a personal trainer. It is even more affordable than you probably believe. The Lexington Athletic Club lists 10 reasons for hiring a personal trainer, including motivation, consistency, safety, individualized instruction, effective workouts, supervision, sports-specific training, injury rehabilitation, special needs training....

Being a teenager is not easy. They are under stress to do well in school, make big decisions, get along with family and friends and be liked. Most of these pressures cannot be avoided, and it is very normal for teens to worry about them. However, feeling persistently hopeless, sad or worthless may be warning signs of a mental health problem.

The term schizophrenia may only be about 100 years old, but the existence of this mental illness can be traced back to 2,000 years before Christ. Schizophrenia is a modern modification of a Greek term that meant “to split the mind” and described the fragmented thinking of people with this disease. Today, schizophrenia is understood as a serious brain disorder in which someone cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imaginary.

Mental health affects how we act, feel and think as we cope with life. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Mental health also determines how we relate to others, make choices and handle stress. Good mental health is a sense of self-esteem and confidence. It is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence right through adulthood. According to estimates, only about 17 percent of U.S adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health.

Anger is a common emotion everyone experiences. “Anyone can become angry; that is easy,” Aristotle wrote. “But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way … that is not easy.” In most situations, it’s clear why people become angry, but other times, anger stems from an underlying feeling of fear, vulnerability or powerlessness. It can also be a defense mechanism against feeling hurt. Anger, like any other emotion, conveys a message....

Life is emotionally messy. Sometimes we need professional help to work through certain issues. When you need help, how can you know which is the best type of therapy for you and your situation? General counseling is the most prevalent form of therapy because it’s helpful to everyone at some point in his or her life. It involves talking with a therapist. The degree and depth of talking varies between the different types of counseling.

Depression can make you feel helpless, but along with some medication and therapy, you can do a lot on your own to deal with it. Changing your way of thinking, your behavior, your physical activity and lifestyle are all natural ways to cope with depression. It’s more like a Catch-22: Recovering from depression requires action, but taking action when you’re depressed is tough. So start with whatever resources you have.

As the nation continues to face high levels of stressful experiences, families are susceptible to mounting pressures from numerous sources. Raising a family can be rewarding and demanding even in healthy social and economic climates, so stressful times can make it much more challenging. The American Psychological Association (2016) says 73 percent of parents report family responsibilities as a significant source of stress. More than two-thirds of parents believe their stress level has slight to no impact....

The results of two new randomized and controlled mental health research studies demonstrated that just one dose of psilocybin produces significant long-term improvements in patients with anxiety and depression. These findings, recently published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology, are potentially beneficial for individuals who are troubled by anxiety and depression.

Better understanding of the type of depression a person experiences could improve the effectiveness of treatment choices and the management of depressive symptoms. Depression is typically diagnosed based on verbalized symptoms patients experience. This relates to the way the symptoms are assessed and the accuracy of patient reporting.

Did you ever dream of finding the Fountain of Youth? Well, you can discover it, in a way. Look for the next best thing: Exercise. Anxiety disorders are rampant. They are the most common psychiatric illness in the United States, surpassing depression. Exercise figures prominently in the treatment and relief of anxiety and related disorders. It has been touted as a life extender for centuries. You constantly hear or read the message about its many benefits.

That 3-pound, self-aware, sophisticated machinery between your ears is the only organ that counselors rarely consider when treating clients. Counselors generally treat behaviors, feelings, perceptions and the client’s history, but not the organ itself, nor necessarily should they. Anthropologists hypothesize the brain evolved from chaos to complex order all on its own. The human brain is the most amazing object in the entire universe.

Emily burst into her parents’ bedroom one night, crying and moaning. “I think I’m dying,” she gasped, clutching her chest. Her heart was pounding wildly and sweat soaked her nightshirt. Her mother called 911 when Emily fell to the floor in a daze. This was not some exotic West African disease; this was a panic attack. Daniel Watson, MSW, LISW, says depression was at one time the most common mental health problem in the United States.

While anxiety brews in your worrying mind, it has many undesirable affects on your body as well. Stomach aches, muscle pain, skin irritation, full-out panic attacks – you may feel these common symptoms are taking over your life and you want them gone. You’re ready to make an appointment with your doctor and get a prescription for something to take your stress away. But will a pill fix the problem forever?

One of the greatest joys of a person’s life is becoming a parent. Parents enjoy watching their children develop, learn and play. However, those carefree days don’t last forever. Children eventually leave the nest and become adults themselves. They grow up and find careers and their own ways in life. While the children are out creating their own lives, it is the perfect time for parents to begin to explore the activities they always wanted to do, as well as try new things.

Depression is a difficult diagnosis, not only for those who suffer from it, but also for their family members and friends. It’s tough to see a loved one unhappy and unmotivated, struggling with his or her mental state every day. You want to do everything you can to help him or her get back to his or her normal self and find the joy in life again, but what can you say and how much can you intervene without making things worse?

Mark* suffers from depression. “I have times when I am more down than others, but the [down] feeling is always there,” he says. He remembers only two occasions in his life when he was entirely free of that feeling. One was when he was elected to his local school board, a post he held successfully for years. The other was when he was best man at a friend’s wedding. “On those two occasions, I felt I totally belonged and [was] accepted,” he says.

Mental illness is a broad term. It may describe a child born with Down syndrome. Children who develop autism are defined as having a mental health disorder. Schizophrenia is a major public health problem worldwide. Alzheimer’s and numerous other dementias that beset humans as they age are frequently referred to as mental illnesses.

The facts are frightening. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and adolescents are more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience bullying, depression and homelessness; to engage in alcohol use and unsafe sex; and to attempt suicide. The facts are also encouraging. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports parental responses to LGBT adolescents can have a tremendous impact on the child’s current and future mental and physical health.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported some statistics that were far from praiseworthy regarding Kentucky’s status when it comes to dental health. The newspaper said dental and oral health problems, such as cancer or other diseases of the mouth and gums, remain a significant challenge in Kentucky. It also found Kentuckians have a high rate of adults over 65 who have had all their natural teeth extracted, with about 25 percent of adults having no teeth, making Kentucky the fifth worst in the nation.

It’s a real blessing to live in an age where competent dentistry is available to everyone. Poor dental hygiene accounts for many of our ancestors dying by age 40 years and, in many cases, in a lot of pain. Pediatric dentistry has become its own specialty over the years. Infant through adolescent teeth have their own special needs and focus compared to their adult equivalents. Pedodontics, the original term for pediatric dentistry, begins an ongoing dental history from the appearance of the first tooth....

The first set of teeth is mostly formed at birth. These teeth hide under the gums. They hold the space where eventually the permanent teeth will be, allowing them to grow in straight. When your child’s new teeth first appear, clean them by rubbing them gently with a wet washcloth; later you can use a child’s toothbrush. Don’t allow your child to sleep with a bottle; this can leave juice or milk on the teeth, causing cavities known as baby bottle tooth decay.

To floss or not to floss – that is the question. This is the dilemma people are facing, especially after reading about the latest change in dental guidelines for Americans that was released in August 2016. The change is based on certain reports that say the evidence of any benefits of flossing is very low quality or weak and unreliable because of fewer research studies and small sample sizes. Recent reviews concluded flossing is not very effective in plaque removal and reduction of gum inflammation.

Do you smoke? Did you know smoking is one of the most sig- nificant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease? Smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment. Has your physician told you that you have an autoimmune disease such as diabetes? Then you are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease. Other diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect gum health, and so can some cancer treatments.

More and more people are becoming aware not only of the aesthetics but the health benefits associated with a beautiful smile. This has motivated many individuals to seek orthodontic treatment, otherwise known as braces. Braces are about functionality and the way the teeth fit together. “The way the teeth meet affects their wear over a period of a lifetime,” said orthodontist Dr. DeWayne McCamish, who is also president of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Everyone has a dry mouth occasionally, but when dry mouth persists over time, it can become a problem. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is fairly common and can range from being annoying to being a serious source of tooth decay. It can cause infection in the mouth and poor nutrition because of problems with chewing. It may also be an impediment to good overall health, not just oral health.

Do you want to have a brighter smile? Tooth whitening can be an effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of its surfaces. There are various tooth-whitening products and systems available, such as whitening toothpaste and strips, over-the-counter gels, rinses, trays and products obtained from a dentist.

Children may not realize it, but parents know bad breath is a matter for concern.

The medical term for bad breath is halitosis. Although this condition may be temporary, it can be a source of embarrassment for your child. Bad breath can have many causes. Here are some of those causes and suggestions for overcoming bad breath problems in your children.

Toothbrushes become contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva, oral debris and toothpaste while removing soft debris and plaque from the teeth. So dentists recommend rinsing the toothbrush thoroughly with tap water following brushing, though you still need to disinfect and sterilize tooth- brushes further.

The decision about whether to invest in dental implants can be a big one. Given the low grade of dental care still rampant in many underde- veloped nations, it seems miraculous that in today’s world there is even such an option. Dr. Laura Justice of Justice Dental is no stranger to implants.

Diabetes is linked to increased per odontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gum and bone supporting the teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed. It is a serious infection that, if left untreated, leads to tooth loss. For diabetic patients, it can be life threatening. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than others; more than 70 percent of diabetic patients also have periodontal disease.

Oral cancer is often thought of as a disease that strikes older people or heavy smokers. But it is shocking for many people to learn non-smoking young adults are the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients. This is largely due to the rise in human Papillomavirus HPV-16 diagnoses among this group. According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk.

In order to have a healthy, bright smile, it is important to have regular dental exams and practice good dental hygiene. These are necessary for preventing gum disease and reducing the risk of tooth loss or dental problems. Proper dental hygiene not only is good for your teeth, but also has numerous other health benefits. Regular dental care isn’t expensive, but having a dental difficulty can become very expensive. That is why it is imperative to perform one of the main preventative actions: Brushing your teeth.

Dentophobia – fear of the dentist – is fairly common. According the UK Adult Dental Health Survey, about one in 10 people suffers from dental phobia. Significant fear affects 10 percent to 20 percent of U.S. adults. For some, this fear prevents them from seeking proper dental care.

In the quest for good dental hygiene, you may find yourself trying to decide between using a manual or an electric toothbrush. “A hygienist would say everybody should have an electric toothbrush,” said Dr. Patricia Takacs with Beaumont Family Dentistry. “You can’t push it too hard; it does what we can do with our drills; it polishes like we can polish; it can get below the gum line. But I still use manual toothbrushes.”

Some groundbreaking innovations in dentistry will soon be available at a den- tist’s office near you. These include:

Liquid Diagnostic Technique. Tooth decay, or dental caries, has two stages: an initial non-cavitated state where decay can stop and no filling is needed and a later cavitated state where a filling.....

Dentophobia – fear of the dentist – is fairly common. According the UK Adult Dental Health Survey, about one in 10 people suffers from dental phobia. Significant fear affects 10 percent to 20 percent of U.S. adults. For some, this fear prevents them from seeking proper dental care.

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It is partly due to a lack of exercise and sugary diets. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes kills more than 71,000 people a year. If the current state continues, one in three Americans will have diabetes by the year 2050. The condition over time can lead to limb amputations, blindness and kidney failure, among many other complications.

One guarantee that comes with diabetes is change, including changes in what you eat, when you eat and how much you eat at a sitting, in addition to taking new medicine(s). And one thing the stomachs and digestive systems don’t like is immediate change. The way the stomach feels, sounds and responds to these changes and the discomfort and pain in the gut caused by diabetes are not often discussed.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. In the United States, it is the most common cause of blindness in people younger than 65 years of age. High blood pressure can lead to many eye problems such as cataracts, blurry vision, glaucoma and retinopathy. Regular visits to an eye doctor are required if you have diabetes.

In 2007, scientists announced plans for a Human Microbiome Project to catalog the micro-organisms living in the body. The profound influence of these organisms has grown rapidly with each passing year.

Bacteria in the gut produce vitamins and break down food. Their presence or absence has been linked to obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and the toxic side effect of prescription drugs.

Diabetes is an elusive illness. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes doesn’t matter: Both can kill. Proper education becomes imperative for success in dealing with this silent killer. If the body is unable to produce insulin, elevated glucose levels in the blood can mean drastic life changes, and sometimes even a shortened life.

Women who have never had diabetes but who have high blood glucose levels during pregnancy are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop, but these hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin. This is called insulin resistance. It makes it hard for the mother’s body to use insulin. She may need nearly three times as much insulin than before.Gestational diabetes starts when the body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy.

According to guidelines put in place by nutritionists and medical institutions, everyone needs to eat at least four to five servings of fruit daily. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says fruits are loaded with fiber, minerals and vitamins and should be part of a diabetes-friendly diet. If you have diabetes, you need to keep an eye on portion sizes and avoid fruits canned in syrups or any other type of added sugar.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body’s ability to use the energy we get from the food we eat. Glucose fuels the cells in the body. These cells need insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, in order to take in the glucose and use it for energy.Insulin allows the body to use the glucose from the carbohydrates in food for energy. The pancreas plays an essential role in maintaining energy levels by regulating this vital part of the digestive system. It is also a critical controller of blood sugar levels

The old Kentucky adage, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” is as true today as ever. The weather changes constantly in this region, no matter the season. To say our bodies are affected by the weather is an understatement for some people. Many people are more prone than others to environmental shifts.

So many things affect moods, but one certain variable is the change of seasons.

Noticing sudden weight loss, periods of extreme thirst, frequent urination and feeling tired and fatigued, a visit to your primary care physician reveals you have diabetes. This diagnosis can have both an emotional and psychological impact. You must deal with some significant lifestyle changes and dietary restrictions as integral components to diabetes management. The primary purpose of diabete management is to restore carbohydrate metabolism to normal levels.

Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system tries to destroy the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. More than 700,000 Americans have this type of diabetes. The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are caused by high blood sugar. Initially, the symptoms may be overlooked or mistaken for another illness such as the flu.

It staggers the mind to think about how many people have died throughout human history prior to the advent of antibiotics. Also known as antibacterials, these compounds either eradicate or slow disease-causing bacterial growth. Most were developed and first used between 1907 and 1985. Alfred Bertheim and Paul Ehrlich first discovered arsphenamine in 1907. It was effectively used to treat many cases of then-rampant syphilis.

People used to believe the ability to sing was a gift someone was born with. This belief changed with the 1967 publication of the book “Singing, the Mechanism and the Technique” by vocal coach, opera singer and anatomist William Vennard. Vennard studied vocal anatomy and developed a technique to help a singer’s ability. He said singing is not a “natural” skill but an art. The vocal cords are muscles and practice makes them stronger.

Although you may be battling diabetes, you still want to have a tasty but healthy holiday. How can you plan a good diet that will not compromise your diabetes? Here are some holiday hints that are meant for the person with diabetes but are appropriate for everyone:

Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by bacteria and viruses that are present in the air we breathe. The immune system usually fights these invaders off, preventing them from infecting the lungs, but there are occasions when the germs can overpower the immune system.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Usually it follows an upper respiratory tract infection, with symptoms starting after two or three days of having a cold or a sore throat. It then moves to the lungs. Fluid, white blood cells and debris start to gather in the air spaces of the lungs and block the smooth passage of air, making it harder for the lungs to work well.

According to experts, a drug made from tree bark is being combined with radiation therapy to cure cancer. The drug, called combretastatin, is derived from the bark of an African bush willow and leaves normal blood vessels untouched. It works by destroying developing blood vessels, which tumors generate to supply themselves. Used on its own, however, it leaves a “rim” of cancerous cells at the edge, allowing the disease to return.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to recognize and celebrate a nationwide annual campaign to give people more information about the disease. Breast cancer is the mostly commonly diagnosed cancer in women, according to the World Health Organization. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime; fortunately, early detection and treatment virtually ensures a high survival rate.

The body is made of billions of tiny cells, and cancer is caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within the cells. Cancer starts when cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells, making it hard for the body to function optimally. It can start anywhere in the body and can spread to other parts of the body. Each cancer is different according to its biology and pathophysiology.

According to Richard Béliveau, Ph.D. at the University of Québec in Montreal and author of Foods to Fight Cancer, “All the studies on cancer and nutrition point to eating plant-based foods for their phytonutrients and other special compounds.” Here are five “superfoods” that are touted as having the ability to fight cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, your doctor can choose from more than 100 chemotherapy drugs to fight cancer. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells in the body as the medicines target the dividing cells, but the normal cells in the blood, nose, nails, mouth, etc. also divide rapidly because chemotherapy affects them as well. The cancer cells cannot repair themselves well enough, but the healthy cells can repair the damage chemotherapy causes.

Breast cancer is a tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. It can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Detecting breast cancer as early as possible gives you a better chance of successful treatment. You can keep up with your breast health by knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. A sign, such as a rash, can be observed and recognized by a doctor or healthcare professional. A symptom, such as pain or tiredness, is something only the person experiencing it can feel and know.

Leukemia is a form of cancer that occurs in the blood cells. The National Institute of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute says with leukemia, cancerous blood cells form and crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says there are four types of leukemia:• acute myeloid leukemia (AML); • chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); • acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); and • chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Pet owners can attest their four-legged housemates truly become integrated into the family. They can be nurturers, stress relievers, protectors, motivators for physical activity and even alarm clocks. Beyond all this, animals also play an important role in health and wellness.

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Joints are places in the body where bones come together. They are crucial to good health because they hold the skeleton together and support movement. Among the bone diseases humans face, bone-on-bone pain in the shoulders, knees, hips, fingers, toes or ankles makes for a very limiting journey.

“After lung cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer there is for women, and it is on the increase,” said Dr. Art McLaughlin, oncology radiologist at Baptist Health Women’s Diagnostic Center in Louisville.Taking charge of your health is your best defense against this known killer. “The American College of Radiology, the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all recommend annual screenings,” said McLaughlin.

What scientists know but most patients don’t is that mammography isn’t the infallible tool we want it to be. In fact, the harder one looks, the more cancers one will find – but most will be harmless and will never threaten any woman’s life. When an anomaly is found on a mammogram screening, a biopsy follows. Good news comes for some women when the biopsy results reveal no sign of cancer. But what is the actual screening result?

Americans must develop a better awareness of bone health and wellness. The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and National Resource Center (2015) suggests by 2020 half of all Americans over age 50 will have weak bones unless people make changes to their diets and lifestyle. People who have weak bones are at higher risk for fractures. With scientific and technological advances, people are living longer, and this means their bones need to stay strong so they can be active and enjoy life as they age.

Yeast has already given us bread, wine and beer, but in the very near future it may be a new painkiller. Researchers at Stanford University have genetically engineered baker’s yeast to act on sugar so that in three to five days the sugar is converted to hydrocodone. In the same general way yeast can work on sugar and turn it into alcohol, the engineered yeast can take sugar, break it down and reassemble it into an opioid drug, according to the researchers.

What scientists know but most patients don’t is that mammography isn’t the infallible tool we want it to be. In fact, the harder one looks, the more cancers one will find – but most will be harmless and will never threaten any woman’s life. When an anomaly is found on a mammogram screening, a biopsy follows. Good news comes for some women when the biopsy results reveal no sign of cancer. But what is the actual screening result?

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Health & Wellness Magazine, launched in 2004, has one of the highest circulations of any free publication in Kentucky. Found in over 2,500 locations with a readership exceeding 75,000 a month, Health & Wellness was created to raise awareness of health-related issues. Professionals from the central Kentucky healthcare industry are featured in monthly articles

Experts have found cells within the malignant brain tumor, called glioma, rely on fats to fuel growth, which contradicts previous scientific belief that tumor cells require mainly sugars to make energy. Glioma is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor in adults and remains one of the hardest-to-treat cancers. Dr. Elizabeth Stoll with Newcastle University’s Institute of Neuroscience is the lead author of the groundbreaking study. In the study, scientists showed glioma cells grow more slowly if they are treated with a drug known as etomoxir, which prevents the cells from making energy with fatty acids.

Australian researchers claim they have discovered an existing medication (denosumab) that could potentially prevent breast cancer in women carrying the faulty BRCA1 gene. This would mean women with high genetic risk of breast cancer have the option to delay or prevent the disease without making the big decision to have their breasts surgically removed. The identification of these cells means doctors can try to inactivate them before they become cancerous by targeting them with denosumab.

Dr. Shana Kelley at the University of Toronto developed an extremely sensitive blood test that uses sensors on a chip to detect cancer mutations. This non-invasive test is fast and simple to perform. It is now being developed as an alternative to tissue biopsies to detect cancer, monitor how patients respond to therapy and personalize treatment decisions.

Pain from advanced cancer that has spread to the bone can be treated with radiation therapy; however, the pain can temporarily get worse before getting better. Dr. Edward Chow of the Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto and the NCIC Clinical Trials Group based at Queen’s University in Kingston led a clinical trial showing the steroid dexamethasone could prevent pain flare-ups from radiation therapy.

According to experts, a drug made from tree bark is being combined with radiation therapy to cure cancer. The drug, called combretastatin, is derived from the bark of an African bush willow and leaves normal blood vessels untouched. It works by destroying developing blood vessels, which tumors generate to supply themselves. Used on its own, however, it leaves a “rim” of cancerous cells at the edge, allowing the disease to return.

The results were published in the journal Cancer Research. Dr. Barbara Pedley, head of tumor biology at the Cancer Research Campaign’s targeting and imaging group at the Royal Free Hospital and University College Medical School in London, said, “This combination can produce long-term cures. Scientists believed the outer tumor cells might rely on the body’s normal blood vessels, which is why combretastatin could not kill them.” Experts now hope to start human trials of the combination therapy as the next stage.

An international study found a combination of two drugs that helped allow the immune system to fight cancer, ipilimumab and nivolumab, stopped the deadly skin cancer melanoma from advancing for nearly a year in 58 percent of cases. (Though a skin cancer, melanoma can spread to the lungs, liver, bone, lymph nodes and brain.) The study was designed and led by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

HARLEENA SINGH

Staff Writer for Health & Wellness Magazine October 2016

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OVERVIEW: BREAKTHROUGHS IN CANCER RESEARCH

New research on prostate cancer sufferers shows stopping the disease could be as simple as “switching off ” a molecule known as DNA- PKcs, which could knock out major pathways that control metastasis before it begins. It is a type of enzyme known as a repair kinase that fixes broken or mutated DNA strands in cancer cells. Because of this enzyme, defective cells that should normally self-destruct are kept alive.

A recent study appears to show that a revolutionary approach to treating cancer using DNA tests can shrink tumors at six times the rates of conventional medicine. This means around one in three women who are currently undergoing grueling rounds of chemotherapy could be spared this drastic treatment because of clues in their genetic profile. The findings, presented at the latest American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago, come from 346 early stage clinical trials, which used precision methods. Experts said treatment on the basis of DNA tests could become the norm within five years. Clinical trials involving more than 13,000 patients found those given treatment using the targeted methods saw their disease stalled and tumors shrink at rates far beyond those of standard treatment.

HARLEENA SINGH

Harleena Singh is a professional freelance writer with a background in teaching and education. She has a keen interest in food and health related issues and can be approached through her website freelancewriter.co. Checkout her blog and network with her on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.